You can really run a conversation on mtb - with anyone, everywhere.Riders are everywhere - of course you'll easily kill/fill a few hours by chatting with them on all sorts of topics related to mtb.Or, anyone would know someone who rides mtb. You can chat with them also around the topic of your bike and your riding experiences. Perhaps, they'll be lured to join the mass too!

In my case, the washing machine repairman is a rider as well. Three days ago I called Mr. Choh to repair my washing machine. The last time he came was two years ago.He took an hour at my house the other day when he came for the repair work. 20 minutes for the job, and the rest chatting with me about mtb.:D

So Dino, you can add 'washing machine repair man' too.

Also, there are a few riders in my new neighbourhood too. Hairul and Amir are two of them. We went offroad together during x'mas day.

Friday, 26 December 2008

Again, I pedaled to Café Ruza - very early in the morning. Started from Seri Alam at 7.05 am and rode 9.5 km to Taman Scientex in Pasir Gudang. Took me only 25 minutes to get there. I guess the forced uphill sprint before Taman Cendana traffic light helped with the time taken - chased by two dogs. Turned out that I was the only person there at 7.30 am (the rv time). Something that we riders need to improve on. Anyway, the thing with pedaling to a meeting point or to work is that I have to be more disciplined, time-wise. I guess if I were to get there by car, the story is all the same - lateness.

There were 13 riders altogether gathered at CR. 12 who actually joined the ride and the other one is Jo who came by to get his b'fast before going to work. Ipin mentioned that there are two more riders waiting at Seri Alam. Turns out that they are from my housing area. Whaddaya know. You can find mountain bikers everywhere. That's a good sign.

9.15 am and we started rolling. Out towards Nusa Damai and through a palm oil plantation to get to Seri Alam. My neighbours Hairul and Amir have been waiting for quite some time. After a brief introduction, we went offroad.

start rolling 0915 hrs

cut through towards Seri Alam, and greeted by an uphill

Seri Alam. Hairul and Amir (sponsored by Celcom) joined the group.

the downhill reward after the Bukit Anjing uphill

one for the album. neighbours in the woods - Akmal, Amir, Hairul.

at a crossroad - go up and enjoy the downhill, or just go down halfway instead?

Some of the places we went through:Seri AlamBukit AnjingRock GardenIndon hut with badminton courtMashi Maro - my favourite place for its neatness. Jai's favourite place for a completely different reason.Flora Heights - exit, and on road back home to Seri Alam.

The weather was nice, overcast all throughout the ride. Not that tiring, and very enjoyable for me.

Tuesday, 23 December 2008

There are a few differences for today's Ride To Work, compared to my previous ones:

Route is from Seri Alam to MMHE.

Not using the Pasir Gudang Highway (except for technically 20 meters or so).

Explored new route, thus no. 2 above.

On a Tuesday morning.

This time, I went along a much safer route, whereby not riding along many vehicles except for a few places (short distances only, even so).

Riding to work, distance covered 12.9 km.

Average speed is at 20 km/h

Max speed 36.4 km/h

Travel time 38 min 31 sec

I'm quite happy with this morning's ride. Particularly because I managed to explore a safe route. Another plus is that it has been some time since I did my last RTW. I needed the adrenaline, endorphin and sweat that goes along with it, especially during this week - to ease of the stress (I think I'm suffering a bit of it).

While riding, I thought to myself,"This is good. People may jog a few km a day before or after going to work. RTW is different - I'm sweating out while getting to the workplace, and enjoying the evening ride going back home".I'm planning to do it at least once in a week. Twice if it's a working Saturday week. Soon my odometer would hit a millennium, insyaAllah. And, if I couple it with proper healthy food, I'll get my sixpack in a few months.

Monday, 15 December 2008

The initial plan of riding up Gunung Pulai with Panjang and his brothers Salleh (from Perlis) and Putut on Sunday was scrapped (much to my delight). Instead, we went into Seri Alam/Plentong, to track the hash trail.

Early Sunday morning as I was getting ready, it drizzled. Texts exchanged with Panjang, and we agreed to ride on. I decided not to use a car to get to the meeting point at Ruza Café. So 0715 hrs after practically gulping down 2 half boiled eggs with sweet soy sauce I pedaled out towards Taman Scientex. It took me 37 minutes to get there, some 13.5 kilometers away - in the drizzle. Quite fast for my standard. I'm not sure whether it's the rain, the eggs or plainly the need to be at the rendezvous place before 0800 hrs (we agreed to be punctual and roll out at 0800 sharp).

I reached Ruza at 0750 (whew!). The café was closed, and I saw only Amat with his bike perched atop his Matrix roof. I checked my phone and there's a message from Panjang informing to meet at Ruza Restaurant. Another message from Yad enquiring whether we are going to ride, considering the wet weather. When I reached the new meeting point, Panjang and his brothers were there, with Mulyano. I gave a call to Yad and eased his anxiousness - already 6 riders in Ruza, so there’ll be a ride definitely despite the foreseeable wet condition throughout.

The planned route for the ride is simple: to track the Plentong hash trail. I just love the initial climb and the payback long rodeo downhill right after. Another thing is riding offroad in the rain. I’ve never experienced it so far. As I experienced during night rides, pedalling without the sun in sight is always a plus – less dehydration, less taxing, and much more fun. I could go more kilometres with lesser feeling of exhaustion. However, I constantly sipped 100 Plus for replenishing fluid and mineral loss.

Riding in wet has its toll, though. Hunger struck quite early (too bad I didn’t pack a 50 sen bun in my pack). Safety also is a concern, particularly regarding your brake pads. When we made a stop at Plentong, I saw blackish deposits on the surface of my rotors. Panjang hinted me with this: “kau pernah asah pisau pakai batu asah tak?”. Aahhh… I get it. Added with water, my brake pads would be diminishing very fast. In the second half of the trail, I really felt the effect to my brakes – very loose, and the levers reach very close to my handlebar grips. During that time, I was very concerned about safety riding the bike especially on steep slopes. And now, after the ride, I’m concerned about the $ I’m going have to burn for a fresh sets of pads – front and rear.

Panjang and Salleh also suffered the same fatality with their brakes. Because of that, and as a few of us cannot tahan anymore stamina-wise, we decided to exit the trail at Seri Alam. While Panjang was assisting Salleh on the brakes, Putut pointed out that he has a pair of spare pads in his bag. Much, much later than they were really needed. Haha… I left them with that and parted with the pack – on road towards Plentong.

Much early, actually I had the option of going back home when we reached Plentong, but we were only halfway through and it was 11ish. So I decided to move on and only split when we get out at Seri Alam. Probably due to the coldness, I felt the onset of a cramp a few times during the ride to Seri Alam and once on road going back. Alhamdulillah, nothing happened.

The ride was enjoyable, with 8 riders of about average stamina and skills. For the sake of having it, I’ll pack something to eat in my bag next time. Thanks Panjang for a bite of your yogurt bar. It was the most delicious thing I ate yesterday afternoon (my lunch was at 3pm).

Fully soaking wet, I sprayed clean my bike as soon as I entered the house gate. The shortest period of my bike being in a dirty condition after an offroad ride so far. A good thing, with the expense of brake pads! Well, I went further with cleaning the rest of the gears as well – shoes, shirt, shorts, socks, and the hydration bag too!

Friday, 5 December 2008

The weather was very nice that night.I texted potential riders, only Panjang and Dafi replied positively.The rest were busy with international work affairs - dinner with Japanese boss, overseas exhibition (albeit in Singapore), standby for a ship to call-a-port (is that the right term?).Alright then, three riders would suffice.

8:35 pm and I saw Dafi's car outside the gate with him sorting his bike out. Time for me to get ready, after done with Isya'. Earlier on I have got the riding accessories ready, and only need to lube the bike's chain (never mind about riding a clean bike).

As I opened the gate for Dafi, Mizi greeted me. What a surprise. Four riders would be good. He's been pedaling quite frequently recently. Wouldn't want to miss any ride, I guess. Soon afterwards, Panjang came - with two more riders: Atuk and Putut. Least expected, but I'm glad they came along. Atuk has a new frame! Kona Coilair Deluxe. Must be a thrill for him to ride it long distance first time,

Everyone got their gears ready, and we started rolling at 5 past 9.

We pedaled practically non-stop until we reached Jalan Selat Tebrau. Of course, we obeyed the red lights along the way. Took a breather while enjoying the view of lights glimmering from Woodlands across the Straits of Johor. Hmm.. perhaps one day we could cycle to Woodlands and back some day, just for the fun of it. It is doable. Why not? It'll be our first 'Cross Country Night Ride'.

Headed on to Danga Bay and we stood amazed with one of the fun rides - the one with a big ring and you have to pedal (that's why the amazement) to move along the elevated track. Panjang was also busy looking for tandem bikes for hire. At one point, we were even contemplating on renting those tandems just for the fun of it.

Only a brief stop, then moved on towards Jalan Tampoi beside Angsana. Panjang suddenly stopped and backtracked nearby a car dealership. Whoa! A Hummer H3. And a Porsche Cayenne S. Suddenly BMW X5, Harrier, Wish and other cars on display looked ordinary. We drooled for a while over there and continued on.

While going back, most of us were famished and were looking for a proper stop to get a bite. The initial plan was to go to 24 hour McD outlet beside Carrefour. Plan had to be scrapped for when we reached the place, the outdoor seatings were full to the brim. To Johor Jaya mamak joint we headed instead.

Tummies full, we continued the journey back to Plentong. Reached the starting/finish point at about 1:00 am, after 47 kilometers of night riding. I guess the longest distance so far the most of us had ever done.

Monday, 1 December 2008

After your first day of cycling, one dream is inevitable. A memory of motion lingers in the muscles of your legs, and round and round they seem to go. You ride through Dreamland on wonderful dream bicycles that change and grow.

H.G. Wells, The Wheels of Chance

This is a narrative that spans a period of more than 20 years and more than five bikes (with a lot of people named - try to find yours). If you do get bored after the third paragraph, you may resort to something else much more active (like chess, for instance) and resume reading afterwards.

I started learning how to ride a bicycle quite late – when I was 9 years old - without training wheels, and without my own bicycle. Jamsari my neighbour at Jalan Strachan lent me his blue Chopper bike, and taught me the art of balancing on two spinning wheels. It's quite amazing, how with a pair of wheels you could go far, and fast. Ayah had a Chopper too, in red. That, I used with my elder brother Amri. Pretty soon Ayah bought a bike for Ibu for her to use commuting to Tabika Kemas. We used it too, for riding in the evening among our friends.

The rage back then was BMX. I frequently borrowed my friend's Skyway and Kuwahara while learning how to do the wheelie (which, until now, I still don't manage to execute). Every year on February 1st DBKL would hold a carnival at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa during Hari Wilayah. BMX races held on a purpose-built BMX race track.

During those years, I didn't have the luxury of owning a BMX. I remember my classmates and I drooling on the Katora (Ninja/Shogun/Samurai) BMX series advertisement laid on the back page of Kuntum, each time we receive it in our class. Ayah promised me a gift of $100 if I could get 5As in my Penilaian Darjah Lima exam. I was short of one, getting a B instead. So, knowing my maths well (particularly on the chapter of ratio), I figured I could get $80 and save some more to get my dream BMX. Apparently that's not the deal. It was all or nothing - and I got nothing. So I continued borrowing my friends' bikes as and when the opportunity arose.

(feel like playing chess now?)

My parents released me to the 'wilderness' quite early. Form 1, I was allowed to join the Rukun Tetangga camp held in Taman Rimba Kanching (minimum age was 15, but they made an exception). After that, my friends and I were introduced to various outdoor activities organized by Jabatan Belia dan Sukan Wilayah Persekutuan - including bicycle expeditions.

It was my high time. I joined several cycling expeditions - mostly to Sungai Bil and Peretak in Kuala Kubu Bharu. The farthest I went was to Pulau Pangkor. On an expedition to Pulau Lumut (in Klang), I was unofficially the youngest rider in the pack. Those were during my early teens - 13 to 15 years of age. I used my cousin Azizi's Raleigh 18 speed metallic red steel road bike on all expeditions. I lose weight quite dramatically, many of my friends couldn't recognise me. I got darker from the sunburn. Only then I know that they used to think that I was a chubby boy, when they said "you look thinner now, not a fatty anymore". Duhh...

Part of my motivation for my SRP exams (apart of getting out of the school) was a gleaming pearl white Raleigh 'Rapide' 21 speed road bike displayed in the Singer showroom. It's located at the cross junction of Jalan Sentul and Jalan Kovil Hilir - just opposite my school. I would take a look at it every time walking back home. I made Ayah to promise me that bike as a gift if I get good results for my exams. He agreed, and long story short - my brother and I went to Singer a week after the results were out. Thank you, Ayah.

No more walking to school for the whole of my form 4. Every day with my bike, and I even frequented my cousin's house in Kampung Pandan to learn playing the guitar (and about DOS on his PC). I didn't have the chance for an expedition with JBSWP with the bike, though.

Then there was the turning point. I went to Jasin to continue my studies (and out of Sentul). I had to leave my bike. Knowing how I love to ride, my cousin Liza asked me "are you going to bring your bike along?”. I said I have to see how things go first. Back home something happened, and I knew about it only when I reached home for my first boarding school balik kampung outing ever. Ayah broke the news to me: "Your bike is gone". Indeed, a very memorable balik kampung outing ever. I spent most days sulking.

Apparently, it was an on-off affair with cycling. I didn’t join the cycling club while I was in Jasin. The same thing also when I was in Shah Alam during my A-Levels and NCUK – although I did borrow Hairul and Tuan Yusoff’s road bikes a couple of times. I guess I put cycling on the backbench during those years, giving way for other priorities. I was a bit envy, though, when Faizi & co went for cycling expedition - Peninsular Malaysia, including Borneo I think.

While in Manchester, my housemate Zulhilmi bought himself an orange (in colour) bike, and he rode to UMIST attending lectures. The same with Azizul. Trying to rekindle the dying flame of biking, I bought one steel road bike (K-Factor branded) for 20 pounds at a car boot sale. I went there by bus, and cycled back home. The next morning I found out that the rear tire punctured – and never attempted to repair it anyway. It still puzzled me why. I guess I was too lazy to maintain a bike and also do not have the funds for it. It is generally much cheaper to DIY than to send it out to the shop for service. But then again, I don’t have proper tools. Basically I just didn’t care much, really.

Anyway, I did bring the bike home with me. It was in August 1998. Again neglected, it was left hanging outside not being attended at all. I guess there wasn’t much left of my biking spirit during that time.

October 1998 I moved to Pasir Gudang and started working. It didn’t take long before love at first sight hit me. I was wandering in Masai and casually went into a bike shop. Took a look at a LeRun, and loved it. Exchanged a few hundred cash with the shop owner and he drove me and the purple 21 speed Grip Shift LeRun Krakaton hardtail home. I rode to the office a few times on Saturdays, and once impressed Naza by pedaling from Kota Masai to Plentong (although later on she drove me back to KM with the bike in the bonnet). I owned the bike for a few years, but done no serious riding on or off road. Rather casual rides around the house (and chased by dogs). The bike was more of being neglected. Perhaps because of that, I found out one morning the bike was gone – probably stolen.

August 2007, while working in KL, my colleague Zulhisham told me about the T-Bolt that he bought through Bicycle Buy & Sell. I was only partly interested, but visited the site quite often. I guess cycling has always been in my blood. Pretty much internalized. An offer came from Zul’s friend Shah. He bought a new bike for a few thousand Ringgit, and letting go his Polygon Xtrada – for an attractive price. I grabbed his offer without much thinking, for I know that a second hand bike priced way much cheaper than its market price (and a bit cheaper than the Krakaton that I used to own) is an offer a newbie couldn’t refuse. And so, my real mountain biking obsession began… although quite a slow start during the initial period.

(hey, you’re still reading this monologue. Found your name in here yet?)

I bought the necessary accessories, and with the big help of internet (Kevin Han’s BBS site in particular) I learned a lot about mountain biking. Albeit, my rides were on tarmac around KL, after 10pm during weekdays. Being a weekend hubby/daddy, weekends were reserved for family in JB. I did an offroad ride in FRIM with Zul and Shah – my first. Later I had another opportunity to return to FRIM and tackle Steroid – alone. Then it was time when my tenure in KL was about to end. Thinking that it would be a hassle to bring back the bike along with a truckload of my personal effects by car, I sold the bike off in November 2007 – through BBS, of course.

A few weeks later Zul and I found out that there are mtb enthusiasts in the same office building as ours. I guess the excitement drew me to a hunt of a new bike, while at the same I didn’t feel so bad about the one that I’ve sold. The hunt led me to a used 18” Proton T-Bolt, offered with Fox Float R rear shock at a very attractive price. I went back and forth to Putra Heights in the process of building the bike with the help of Hood and Bro Yazid. The T-Bolt was finally ready in December, and I rode it first time off road in FRIM. New bike, new year, new friends, and a new trail – Dream in FRIM. It was not solely about the bike. It’s the whole experience and the people that I get acquainted with while building it. That’s why I have quite a sentimental attachment with the T-Bolt.

Shortly before going back working in Pasir Gudang for good, I enquired in BBS if there are mtb riders in Pasir Gudang – Panjang and Melaka shouted back, welcoming me to their trails. In PG, I was welcomed right from the first time at Restoran Ruza in Nusa Damai – by the local riders, and also a cramp nearing the end of the ride.

Now it has been close to a year since then. Pretty much obsessed with mtb, I have learnt quite a lot (from a lot of new friends), met many fellow cyclists and made more friends (virtually and in-person), build (and dismantled) a few bikes, countless offroad riding (although my odometer shows only a bit more than 500km), lost a few kilograms, and a few thousand ringgit – all on mountain bikes.

I also learnt an important thing about my wife – she loves me dearly. Once I fell off the bike downhill and onto a rubber tree (felt not so rubbery!). Hospitalised and underwent a tracheotomy. She took care of me, and during that time I know how deep her love is. That was also the time when I learnt about the spirit of brotherhood among fellow bikers. Jamaluddin took care of me from that rubber tree back to my car in Nusa Damai, slowly riding beside me and assisted with whatever he could – and that was during the first time ever we rode together.

(if you copy this entire entry up until this point, it would make a 4 page Word document easily)

I am still making more friends in the mountain biking circle. It surprised me how effortless it was to have a friend anywhere as long as you’re a mountain biker. It’s much like an affiliated program. Show up with a mountain bike, and you’re accepted in the club. Well, it doesn’t have to be that way. A good friend BC Kelolo once offered me to ride with him and GLC when I asked for a casual teh tarik session on a Thursday (GLC were riding on Thursday nights back then). Not just that, he even offered me his bike complete with helmet and gloves. How can I ever pass such opportunity? And so I made friends and get re-acquainted with a few that I met at FRIM on New Year.

From that single night ride, I learnt and experienced a lot. One: It’s a small world, particularly if you’re on a mountain bike. Two: Night riding requires extra safety precautions. Three: Night riding is more relaxing and doesn’t tax your energy as much as during the day. Four: Friends are abundant, and friendship transgresses boundaries. Five: You better bring along a chain tool, and know how to use it.

From this point on, my mountain biking story continues in the bits and pieces of this blog. On and off the road, on and off the saddle.

Thanks for reading, dear friends.

Just curious:Did you print this out and read it during your leisure time – in the toilet, while in the train, etc.?Did you bookmark this blog entry and re-visit in between chess games?Did you spend your lunch hour over a few days reading this entry? How many days?

Cycled to work.This time I went out very early - 6:30 am.The road was not busy - partly because it is early in the morning, partly because it's a Saturday, but more so because it's school holiday.A lovely morning, less cars, less fume, and I love seeing the yellow streaks on the sky.

Saturday, 29 November 2008

I missed the Plentong Hash the week before. As a consolation, Panjang brought us to enjoy the trail (half of it). We started from a new rv point - Cafe Ruza Jalan Kijang, for a change. New faces joined our ride this time.

Went to Flora Heights and into the foray of rubber plantation in Seri Alam. A reverse of what used to be the end of trail when I started riding in Seri Alam.

Started with a climb, then ascending rodeo style. It was terribly awesome!

(a bit lazy to report about the ride this time)

group photo after a few strokes of badminton, and adjusting my handlebar sweep.

Total route was 20+ km that day. And we went home quite early.

What's different this time is that I rode my new hardtail offroad. A whole lot difference that I can feel, especially when climbing up. I dare say that climbing hills are fast and easy, except that I have to learn my seating position during climbing with a hardtail.

Monday, 24 November 2008

We have been night riding from Plentong to Danga Bay once a week for 2 weeks in a row. Time for a change in scenery. Also, considering that most of our riders come from Pasir Gudang area, I proposed to ride around Pasir Gudang this time. With Panjang's help (as always), we charted the route. A change in scenery indeed, we had a short offroad section this time. Riding in the rain. And with few new faces.

Jai has always been the earliest rider to arrive at our rv point (even earlier than me, though the rv point is at my own house). Partly enthusiasm, partly discipline, but mostly because of his personality. The rest of us have to catch up in this area. However, he was waiting for us at the different Ruza. He went to Restoran Ruza in Nusa Damai, while we have agreed to meet at Cafe Ruza in Taman Scientex. Not too far the distance between the two, anyway. But a relief for me, as I was 5 minutes late. So technically I'm earlier than him this time. Yay!!;)

6pm when I was driving home from office, the road was dry. By the time I hopped onto the Pasir Gudang highway, the road was already wet. And as I parked my car in the parking lot, it began to drizzle. Errkkk... no wonder Yad who lives in PG texted me asking whether the ride is still on.

As I walked up to a table at Cafe Ruza, I saw 2 new faces - Wan and Shahrul. Wan is a roadie, but rides mtb to work in Pusat Bandar Pasir Gudang. Shahrul is on a short stint in Pasir Gudang, working on a project site only next to my workplace. He bought a new bike very recently, and was looking for riding mates. He searched on the internet and found this blog. Aha... so there is a good use of this blog.

Other riders came one by one - Mizi, Panjang, Yad (and Jai, arriving from Restoran Ruza). While waiting and hoping the rain to subside, we filled our time with a round of teh tarik, limau suam, otak-otak and stories.

9.30 it looked that the rain has subsided (or going to subside), so we went on to our cars and got our gears ready. It seemed that as soon as we were getting ready, the rain started pouring again - a bit more than drizzling. But we moved on. Isaac and Dafi joined us too, they cycled from their house nearby.

So the 9 of us rolled out in the rain heading to Flora Heights. In doing so, we have to cut through an offroad section - a shortcut from Nusa Damai to FH. A few hundred meters, we had the first casualty - Shahrul's front Tektro IO brake caliper a goner. The excess cable apparently is a bit too long, and it was caught between the rotor and the brake pad, bending the outer arm of the caliper inwards. So that's why Avid's BB7 manual warned about leaving not more than 3cm of excess cable, I thought. Still usable, but I guess he was a bit concerned about the safety of riding his bike. Perhaps more so about the $ that he's about to spend for a new caliper - or a new set of hydros?

After battling the climb uphill at FH, we rolled down and reached Seri Alam at Jalan Tasek area. Cut through Jalan Suria area and dashed another climb en route to Masai. Went to Pasir Gudang from there via a couple more climbs - the one next to Masai Bus Station towards Jalan Masai and also beside TNB at Pusat Bandar Pasir Gudang. My bike and I seem to like this ride.

We made a stop at Ontot's burger stall, and after the briefing by Naz about the bike to parliament thingy over burgers and drinks, we continued. Still raining. Time to go home, as we were already about halfway the total route.

We rode through Jalan Keluli and turned right to Taman Pasir Putih, to go to Kota Masai. Another long, hilly climb awaited at Kota Masai on the way to Taman Scientex. As usual, Dafi and Yad would battle and left us trailing them. Reached Cafe Ruza shortly afterwards, and we headed home - past midnight.

Thursday, 20 November 2008

1. School holiday - no school for Naza.2. Getting a bit tired from house chores during the day, she was contemplating whether going for a short roll around Seri Alam or around JB from Danga Bay (the original plan). We came at the junction - left to Seri Alam, right to Danga Bay. We swerved to the right. That's the spirit!3. About 10pm we reached Rumah Limas at Danga Bay. Parked and got our bikes ready, we rolled. Naza now an expert in putting on the front tire, and then flipping the bike upright.4. We crossed Jalan Skudai towards Istana Bukit Serene. Quite some time waiting at the roadside for the traffic to clear. Perhaps because of the school holiday, already 10pm but still the traffic is quite heavy.5. Cruised along Jalan Straits View - secluded hilly road beside Istana Bukit Serene. Pace was slo-mo. Not much vehicles on this side of JB. No dogs, either. Cool and breezy.6. Turned left and went down Jalan Kapten Mohd Amin, then took a left on Jalan Mohd Amin until the end. Another left on Jalan Sungai Chat to get to Jalan Kolam Ayer. Proceeded to Jalan Linkaran Dalam towards Stulang.7. Nope, didn't ride to Stulang. Earlier intention was to go to Bukit Timbalan via Jalan Mahmoodiah and Jalan Yahaya Awal. Scraped that - I was not that brave to ride beside the graveyard. Instead, we turned left and took Jalan Abdul Samad.8. Jalan Abdul Samad is a long hilly ride. Naza kept a steady pace and went up without much problem. Took a left and went down the hill on Jalan Nong Chik. Usually, for my normal Danga Bay night rides with the guys, we would go up the hill. I savoured the downhill that night. Woohoo!!9. It's already 11pm by that time and Naza urged to go back to the car. 7km so far. Okay, I guess. A bit longer than our usual rides together nearby Seri Alam's lake.10. Intimidated by the traffic along Jalan Skudai, we opted to tread along Jalan Straits View from Jalan Tengku Puteri. Some time later we were back in Danga Bay to the awaiting Avanza.11. I asked her if she wants a teh tarik session, and she replied "dah penat-penat kayuh bakar lemak, taknak lah...". Well... we went back to Plentong.

Wednesday, 19 November 2008

It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.

~Ernest Hemingway

...and as you conquered the hills, there's a joy of triumph along with sweat (and swears).

Tuesday, 18 November 2008

I've hunted for Truvativ cockpit for some time now, and found the set offered by USJ Cycles via BBS. Ahh... the bliss of internet. Transfered $ through Maybank2U, and receive the goods a couple of days later via Poslaju.

I opted for the XR range from Truvativ, for XC - both the stem and handlebar. This time I'm going Ø31.8 oversize. At 680mm, the handlebar is a bit wide for me. Have to cut it perhaps an inch each side.

The flashlight bracket has to be hacked to be installed on an oversized handlebar. Have to forego the supplied bolt and nut, and use a cable tie instead. Hence the bracket a permanent resident near the center of the cockpit.

Installed Sunday morning and looking neat for now. Never had the chance to have a go yet. Tonight I'm testing it on road insyaAllah, and tune it if necessary.

Monday, 17 November 2008

During a night ride with Naza and kids, I realized that I have lost my el cheapo trusty multi tool. I got it from Tesco Ampang about a year ago for RM12 (I think). With the absence of a proper set of bike tools back then, it helped me a lot with my tinkering on my bikes.So long my friend, wherever you may be. You served me well, and we had great time learning. Well, time to move on now...

Some time ago, knowing what I need and what's nice to have for a compact multi tool to bring along my bike rides, Crank Brothers' Multi 17 seems to fit my requirements nicely. Well, it's in my wishlist, but never actually looked for it.

Now that I really need a replacement, I went to Aunty's bike shop in Taman Universiti and pondered over the selection of Topeak tools on display. Her's is the only place in JB that I know to get Topeaks. Only one caught my attention - Mini 18+. It has 18 tools in one compact offering. Plus, a nice neoprene bag to store the mini tool (won't be needing it, though - but nice, still). Weighing at 185g (versus CB M17's 168g) and at a very good price (after haggling her to mark down further than the displayed RM98), I took it home. I wasn't really bothered with the weight, anyway.

I have a soft spot for Topeak goods. Their designs are beautiful and a lot of thoughts being put in their products, eliminating the unnecessaries while maintaining aestethics. Coupled with the unavailability of CB in JB bike shops, perhaps that's why I opted for the Mini 18+.

I don't know why the '+', but I know for me it has all the tools I need to bring along on my biking outings, plus more. Complete with a chain tool and torx-25, I don't have to bring separate tools for each, as I do now. And there's also a flat blade for disc brake pads - to press the disc pads back into the calipers if brake levers are accidentally actuated while wheels are removed. I have yet tried out my hands on wheel truing, but now I have the necessary tools for it - 14g & 15g spoke wrenches (the 14g also doubles up as chain pin breaker tool). I can do without the single tire lever, though.

I'm happy with the purchase. Although we boys like to tinker with our new toys, I hope that I won't be needing it much along the trails or on the roadside. The assurance and availability of a reliable compact multi tool are what I need, really.

tool photo taken from Topeak's website.Topeak logo and slogan copyright of Topeak Inc.